A member of Wisconsin’s 2020 recruiting class, Preston Zachman is one of the Badgers’ longest-tenured players.
In the 2026 season, he seeks a change of environment.
The veteran safety, who missed most of the season with a leg injury, will transfer in his final season of eligibility. On3 reported the news, which Zachman retweeted on his X and Instagram accounts.
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Zachman, 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, suffered the injury on Sept. 13 against Alabama. He has since been seen courtside wearing a walking book on his left leg.
Prior to his injury, Zachman was a vital cog on the Badgers’ defense.
He finished the season with 12 tackles, nine solo tackles, and tied for a team-high two interceptions. Both turnovers occurred in the second half of the season opener against Miami (Ohio), helping Washington win 17-0.
He started 20 games for Wisconsin and played in a total of 35 games.
“He’s the leader of the defense,” Badgers coach Luke Fickell said on Nov. 3. “He takes most of the calls and it’s just that corner kick.”
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“That’s one of the things we’ve had to overcome and have to spread out some of those (responsibilities) over the last seven weeks.”
News of Zuckerman’s departure came three days before the transfer portal opened. The Badgers will likely look for help at safety to make up for the loss of Zachman and starter Austin Brown, who has completed his eligibility.
Matt Jung, a rising senior, is expected to return. Matt Traynor, the third safety since Zachman’s injury, is recovering from an ACL injury he suffered Oct. 18 against Ohio State.
More: Wisconsin football transfer portal tracking: Quarterback Billy Edwards to return elsewhere
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More: Learn about Wisconsin football’s needs from the transfer portal
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin veteran safety Preston Zuckerman to enter transfer portal